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Even if everyone has their own replicator, the competition shifts to who controls raw materials, and who controls energy. Fresh water, for example, is a scarce
by smallnamespace 10y ago
Even if everyone has their own replicator, the competition shifts to who controls raw materials, and who controls energy.
Fresh water, for example, is a scarce (and becoming scarcer) resource, and it's impossible to farm or live without it.
- visarga 10y agoI agree. That's why capitalists owning automation should pay UBI - because they get to use raw materials.
- klodolph 10y agoYes, although I'm not convinced that fresh water is going to be such a scarce resource in the future. There are a few "outs" on the horizon—besides changing our diet, the possibilities for desalinization, or things like lab-grown meats, may change our relationship with water. Just as long as population growth slows enough… Agree with the comment about ownership. As technology has improved, more and more power has been going to whoever owns the capital.
- smallnamespace 10y agoFresh water is not a problem given unlimited energy since desalination works well. The problem is that energy is expensive, and fresh water shortages will be worst in countries that are poor and can't afford these plants.
- flowersoldier 10y agoWhisky is for Drinking. Water is for Fighting. -Mark Twain